Liquidity refers to how quickly and easily an asset can be converted into cash without affecting its market price. Cash is the most liquid asset, while things like real estate or collectibles are considered illiquid because they take time and effort to sell. In financial markets, liquidity also describes how easily securities can be bought or sold. High liquidity means there are many buyers and sellers, resulting in tight bid-ask spreads and minimal price changes. Low liquidity can cause price volatility and difficulty in executing trades. For businesses, liquidity indicates the ability to meet short-term obligations, typically measured by ratios like the current or quick ratio. In short, liquidity is crucial for both individual investors and organizations to manage risk and ensure flexibility.
